WE ARE THE CHAPPELL FAMILY AND WE RESCUE, RESTORE AND SHOW ANTIQUE TRACTORS . . .

   Welcome to our website.  It is constantly changing so we hope that you become a frequent visitor!  A HUGE THANK YOU TO CHEVRON-DELO FOR GIVING US A YEAR TO REMEMBER!  Winning the Chevron-Delo Tractor Restoration Competition was so exciting and such an honor for all of us.  Little did we realize that along with that title came a year of traveling with the tractor to 3 major shows, compliments of Chevron-Delo. 
   We traveled in February to the World Ag Expo in Tulare, California, in August we went to the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois and we ended our year of reign last week in Indianapolis at the National FFA Convention (October 2011).
   The 2010 Chevron TRC competition winner, the 1966 Case 1200 TK, was displayed in the Chevron Lubricant booth in the Indianapolis Convention Center from October 19 thru the 21st.    
   Not only was the Case 1200 there, but right next door, the 2009 Chevron-Delo Reserve Grand Champion tractor, our 1964 Case 830 High Crop, was also there.  Titan Tires, the National FFA Organization and Chappell Antique Tractors shared a booth promoting tractor restoring for FFA projects. 
   We were very excited to be a part of this and discovered that quite a few FFA members from other states were unaware of the Chevron competition and the fact that Titan Tire provides tires for FFA tractor restoration projects.  Another interesting discovery is that most of the finalists have never shown their tractors in any competitions before Chevron's TRC.  The reason being there are no venues in their states to show their tractors and be judged. 
   Will was asked by a 2011 finalist why Texas always does so well in the Chevron competition.  His reply was that most of the Texas finalists have already experienced several competitions in Texas where judges have gone over their tractors with a fine tooth comb and questioned them vigorously on their project and the work done.  Then after being judged, they are given score sheets informing them of what was done right or needed to be perfected.  They are quizzed and judged on the tractor's mechanics, aesthetics, safety features and book documentation, as well as their presentation of the tractor. So, Texas teams are primed and ready by the time Chevron's TRC takes place. 
   What a great year we had!!!  Special thanks to Will's adopted Grandpas, our travelling buddies, James and Jerry.  You are a part of our family forever and the memories we made this past year are ones to last a lifetime.  Chevron-Delo we are forever in your gratitude for giving us the opportunities and experiences of showing the tractor across the United States.  Titan Tires, Linda Adamson, our tractor projects would not have been possible without your furnishing our tires and supporting FFA projects.  We are forever in your debt.  
   A huge thank you and love to Devon, Joel, Jennifer, Jaydon and the rest of our family for understanding when we couldn't be there, or couldn't stay longer and for the times you came and supported Will when showing his tractor. 
    Finally, to Will, for keeping us young and busy!  We are so proud of who you are and what you have accomplished in the past 4 years.  It's been a memorable roller coaster ride with an abundance of highs and only a few lows, but because of you we have a lifetime of cherished memories.   
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We are antique tractor enthusiasts who collect the machines of yesterday to preserve our agricultural heritage.  There is nothing better than to hear someone say "when I was younger I learned to drive one just like that" or "boy, does that bring back good memories".  We do not collect to restore and sell . . . we collect for ourselves and to share a piece of yesterday with others.

We really took it to a new level when Will (our son) decided to restore a tractor for an FFA project.  The first project (2008) was a 1951 John Deere R.  The Case 830 High Crop was restored for 2009 competition and his last project (2010) was a 1966 Case 1200 Traction King.

Will's teammate on the first two tractors was his good friend, Cody Gangl.  The last tractor project started with Will and Cody, but about half way through, Cody unexpectedly had to leave the project.  Will continued with the project and then he enlisted Tyrel Bohrer, another friend, to come on board.  

All the trials and tribulations of restoring and competing paid off in October 2010 when the boys won the Chevron-Delo Tractor Restoration Competition which is a national competition.     

We hope that you enjoy what we have to share and come back and visit often . . . as I am constantly adding new photos and information.  If you have any questions, we do have a contact form and we'll get back to you asap.

                                          The Chappell Family
                                  Debbie (Mom), Morgan (Dad) & Will

 

  




 

 

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